Ruby Wendell

Ruby Helen Wendell

Age 78 of Diamond, passed away Thursday, August 30, 2007 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Born August 25, 1929 in Streator, IL, Helen was a daughter of the late Shannon and Vera (Downs) Meredith. She was raised and educated in Coal City and was employed at the Joliet Arsenal for 6 1/2 years and worked as a waitress in Coal City and Wilmington for many years. On November 4, 1972 Helen married Tom Wendell in the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, IL. She was a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City and in her free time enjoyed playing bingo, playing card games, sewing, arts and crafts, and gardening.

Survivors include her husband Tom; children: Bonnie Tyler of Diamond, William "Billy" Anderson of Wilmington, Robert (Cathy) Anderson of Wichita, Kansas, Jamie (William) Adcock of Goose Lake and Monica Wendell of Diamond. Eight grandchildren: Robyn Tyler, Christian (Felicia) Tyler, Amy (Brandon) Caldwell, Rebecca Miller, Jodi(Troy) Wolf, Jill Halper, Jocelyn Wendell-Sias and Hayden Adcock; six great grandchildren: Bailey Caldwell, Blake Caldwell, Ava Caldwell, Dalton Miller, Devin Miller, and Rachel Wolf. Four sisters: Trilla (Bob) Fischer of Florida, Freida (the late Walter) Lawless of Morris, Mildred (the late James) Stewart of Lockport and Margie (Evan) Clark of Braceville and three brothers: Lloyd Meredith, Jack Meredith and James Meredith, all of Reddick; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert Meredith, daughter Debbie O'Rourke and grandson Jason Anderson.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Tuesday September 4, 2007 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Helen will then lie in state on Wednesday September 5th from 9:00AM until time of funeral services 10:00AM at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 80 North Garfield Street (at First Street) in Coal City. Reverend Jan Chandler will officiate and Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

Pallbearers will be: Joe Cora, Brandon Caldwell, Kelly Stewart, Kenneth Mack, Barry Sias and James McVicker

Preferred memorial may be made as gifts in Helen's memory to her family for distribution to local charities of their choice.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.